Today.Az » Politics » Senator Richard Lugar: "It is absolutely unfair to state that Azerbaijan has exchanged human rights for oil with the world community"
15 January 2008 [10:01] - Today.Az
Unlike some other countries, Azerbaijan can be an example for the availability of information and its spread.
The due statement was made by chairman of the Committee for External Ties of the US Senate Richard Lugar during the final press conference on the visit to Azerbaijan.
At the same time he noted that Azerbaijan must undertake additional steps for development of the political situation.
"For these purpose I have met with four opposition leaders, who expressed their point of views about the political situation and human rights in Azerbaijan", he said.
The senator noted that during the meeting he informed his interlocutors that the parliamentary elections of 2005 were monitored by international observers, who mentioned a certain progress but criticized a number of shortcomings.
He said presidential elections of 2008 will also be monitored by international observers. "I suppose Azerbaijan is not indifferent to the opinion of the international community", he added.
"It is absolutely unfair to state that Azerbaijan has exchanged human rights for oil with the world community", R.Lugar announced.
The senator noted that the imprisonment of reporters and unclarity in the issue of the freedom of assembly are distressing, but at the same time, during his meeting with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev he expressed his satisfaction with the pardoning of five convicted reporters.
/Day.Az/
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